Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has hinted at the possibility of moving jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan if security or health issues warrant such a move.
In an interview on a private news channel, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said that Imran’s trials were conducted in the jail premises to ensure his safety.
“If he is brought to the complex where anti-terror courts or supreme courts are located, then it could be very dangerous,” Sanaullah said, adding that the decision was taken keeping security in mind.
He further noted, “Arrangements could be made for special measures should safety or health issues arise. But nothing of the sort has been discussed so far.”
He said continued dialogue with the opposition would help strengthen the democratic and political system in the country. Political forces sitting in the government should continue dialogue with PTI to resolve political issues, he added.
Sanaullah’s remarks come in the wake of a statement by Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, who claimed earlier this week that authorities had offered the former prime minister a deal to move him from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi to his residence in Banigala.
According to Aleema, the offers were allegedly made through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. She claimed her brother was repeatedly told to keep quiet in exchange for the transfer, but questioned how he could accept house arrest after serving jail time.
However, both the government and the PTI have rejected such offers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur confirmed Sanaullah’s comments regarding talks with Imran Khan. He confirmed that a meeting between the PTI founder and the government’s negotiating committee had been delayed due to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s absence from the country.
Now that Sadiq has returned, Gandapur stated that the meeting is expected soon, adding that individual discussions with Khan are underway.
Separately, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat urged both sides to exercise caution and warned that inflammatory remarks could derail the ongoing talks. “If the committee cannot meet Khan, they should meet anyway to maintain momentum,” he advised.
After months of escalating political tensions, the coalition government and PTI initiated dialogue last month. The PTI’s preliminary demands included the release of all “political prisoners” and a judicial inquiry into the events of 9 May and 26 November.
During the second round of talks led by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the PTI sought more frequent access to Imran Khan to finalize a “charter of demands”.
